By Karin Elsen (she/her), UTO Board President
I’ve had physical therapy appointments in the past few months for a back condition, and I’ll admit it’s been challenging. I’ve lost core and leg muscle and am now working to regain this. During our sessions, my physical therapist has me doing various exercises. Even though my legs are flailing while I perform circles on the Pilates Reformer and shaking when I use the Swiss ball, I’m surprised that I can power through with positivity and some endurance. My therapist, too, has noted that I have good body awareness. I believe this is largely due to my past activity level; I remember the basics, such as avoiding locking my knees and maintaining a neutral spine, which come back to me during exercise. While I may lack strength and conditioning, I have rediscovered my body’s center of gravity.
I think finding your physical balance is a lot like discovering gratitude; both require intention and awareness. Just as maintaining stability demands attention to our bodies through proper positioning, coordination, and sensory input, gratitude invites us to recognize and appreciate our surroundings to achieve a positive outlook. Taking time to reflect on what we have, and internalizing the small, often overlooked moments, helps us maintain emotional balance. With thankfulness, we can approach challenges with steadiness—and even optimism!
I hope you find time for reflection in the coming months to discover your balance as well. For inspiration, you can explore UTO gratitude resources, including those shared at our Virtual Training Day. Enjoy your summer!